Foss. Courage, thou best of my curiosities. Know that in husband, is comprehended all relations; in me thou seest a fond father.
Town. Old enough o' my conscience.
[Aside.
Foss. You may, you must trust yourself with me.
Town. Do with me as you please: Yet sure you cannot so soon forget [the office of the church. Marriage is not to be undertaken wantonly, like brute beasts]. If you will transgress, the sin be upon your own head.
Foss. Great indeed is thy virtue, and laudable is thy modesty. Thou art a virgin, and I a philosopher; but learn, that no animal action, quatenus animal, is unbecoming of either of us. But hold! where am I going? Prithee, my dear, of what age art thou?
Town. [Almost three and twenty].
Foss. And I almost at my grand climacterick. What occasion have I for a double-night at these years? She may be an Alcmena, but alas! I am no thunderer.
[Aside
Town. You seem somewhat disturb'd; I hope you are well, Mr. Fossile.
Foss. What business have I in the bed-chamber, when the symptoms of age are upon me? Yet hold, this is the famous corroborative of Crollius; in this vial are included sons and daughters. Oh, for a draught of the aqua magnanimitatis for a vehicle! fifty drops of liquid laudanum for her dose would but just put us upon a par. Laudanum would settle the present ataxy of her animal spirits, and prevent her being too watchful.
[aside
Enter a Servant.